Thibaut Collet was gracious in defeat as EJ Obiena took home the gold medal in the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge.
Thibaut Collet provided some comic relief after an intense duel against EJ Obiena in the homestretch of the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 21.
“[The idea] was to let EJ win this competition at home,” he said in jest, drawing laughter from the members of the press at the media center.
Turning serious, the French athlete heaped praise on Obiena and the organizers for putting together the world-class pole vault competition, a first of its kind in the country.
Also competing in the event were Matt Ludwig, Ersu Sasma, Austin Millers, Oleg Zernikel, Menno Vloon, and Filipino Hokett delos Santos.
Ben Broeders sat out the event because of back spasms, but showed up at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
[Related: EJ Obiena hopes home events like Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge can become annual]
“Thanks very much EJ for having me. In pole vault we have a lot of competition in the streets around the world. This one was impressive because it’s my first time here. Crowd was amazing,” Collet said.
Collet and Obiena figured in a one-on-one battle at the height of 5.90m, but both pole vaulters couldn’t get through.
In the end, the Filipino ace emerged as winner via countback after he cleared 5.80m with fewer attempts than Collet.
“EJ was stronger today. Happy [he won] this competition and happy to be part of it,” he said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.